Mali Opt Out of Nigeria Friendly, Eagles Now to Play Sudan

Mali have asked out of an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) warm-up game against Nigeria initially scheduled for next month in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will now play Sudan on January 17 as part of a training tour of the Abu Dhabi following another clash with Afcon 2012 finalists Cote d’Ivoire on January 11.

Mali’s decision is as a result of a change in plan by the Federation Malienne de Football concerning the Les Aiglons’ final camping.

In view of these changes, Eagles players invited to camp at the Bolton White Apartment are now expected to arrive on Tuesday, 30th December instead of the former date of 28th December.

The list of invited players have now increased to 25 following ex-Swiss youth international Steven Effiong Archibong Ukoh’s confirmation of availability after his application for a switch of allegiance was granted by world football’s governing body Fifa.